Hey all! My name is Brooke, owner and instructor at Pure Barre Green Bay and I am excited to share some healthy tips in preparing for your big day! Thank you all for having me on as a guest blogger, let’s get to it.
I am eager to start preparing for the big day! So .. where do I start?
Pick a routine and get accountable, now. This very second. Sign yourself up for a new class offering, gym, running group, whatever you feel fits you. Now find a workout buddy, call one of your girlfriends or bridesmaids and do it together. Everything is better with a friend. If you know you are not going to stay accountable with workout dvd’s by yourself then get into group fitness. It’s a game changer. Any workout group that has a community of people behind it makes things more fun and you are more apt to go! Bottom line, fitness should be fun — surround yourself with a positive community and or friend(s) and get sweating! Sweating for the wedding!!! Don’t be afraid to ask the fitness center or studio if there is a Bride to Be or some sort of Bridal package for you and your wedding party. Do it together, make it happen!
Toning Tips-
Target areas for a bride are usually the arms, chest, legs, and waist. But who are we kidding, we want to look great everywhere on our wedding day and after on our honeymoon! To target these areas specifically, invest in a set of 2 or 3 pound dumbbells. Doesn’t seem like much weight? You can do so much with lower weight and tone your body, PROMISE. Think of the goal of your workout as burning and fatiguing the muscle, then spending ample time to stretch and lengthen your muscles in between sets, to work for a long, lean, and toned body. Cardio is a great way to burn calories, just add dumbbells to target specific muscle groups like the arms. Pushups, bicep curls, and tricep extensions are beneficial to targeting and toning the arms and chest. Perfect your form and technique first, then add your 2-3 pound dumbbells in. Small isometric movements for longer sets such as small pulses in a squat can tighten and lift your seat in no time. Again, add weight when you have the technique down and need the challenge. Ab exercises and strength is pivotal in overall fitness and much of any work comes from your core. Designate time each workout to your abs, find the burn and stay in that work zone. That is where the magic happens 🙂
Find your YOU time-
Wedding planning and preparing is no joke. Use your workout as a time just for YOU. No phones, no outside world, no distractions; just you and your body moving. Exercise has huge benefits in releasing stress and promoting mental clarity. Sweating too, has huge benefits! Sweat releases toxins in your body– get moving and get sweating! Structure your time in your workout that best fits your needs and you can give the workout your best self. Get your hour in before the sun comes up, sneak it in at lunch, or zone out after work. It’s for YOU, give it your best and results will come.
Nutrition Tips-
This is nothing you haven’t heard already. But do you do it? Drink water. Period. Drinking water makes your skin glow and hydrates you and your muscles. Pack healthy snacks. Plan ahead, make it happen. Suggestions? Hummus and carrot sticks — not for you? Try an apple with nut butter or try greek yogurt for an on-the-go snack. Think about your portion size and plan ahead so you have it at your convenience and it helps to prevent over-eating. Check out our nutrition tips below to help you start on a healthy eating direction.
Thank you all for reading, I wish you a blessed and happy wedding day. Work hard, sweat, and love YOUR body. You only get one body, take care of it and love it! Feel free to email me at greenbay@purebarre.com if you have any questions or visit my team and I at the studio at Pure Barre Green Bay.
Congratulations beautiful,
Brooke McMillan
Cover image by Shaunae Teske Photography
